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The technology paradox: Why mindset, not machines, holds the key to certainty
1 in 4
organisations report regularly using AI to identify, monitor, or mitigate risk on construction projects
Across sectors and markets, organisations clearly lack confidence in project delivery. In a high-risk, high-stakes sector, that’s worrying.
But within this broad trend, a fascinating pattern emerges. Some organisations are managing uncertainty far better than others. And technology seems to be part of the answer.
AI is on the rise, but it’s not the whole story
Artificial intelligence is reshaping every sector, and construction is starting to catch up. Today, one in four organisations report regularly using AI to identify, monitor, or mitigate risk on construction projects.
What’s more, these AI high adopters are significantly more confident in achieving every single one of their project goals than non-adopters.
For a better view of the table, please rotate your phone
What’s the relationship between AI adoption and delivery confidence?
See methodology for further detail on the above table.
Our data shows that those using AI regularly are:
— More confident in achieving every single one of their project goals
— Consistently outperforming non-adopters across every sector—from High-tech industries to Education and Infrastructure
This is despite high adopters reporting consistently higher impacts from external risk factors than non-adopters.
AI adoption and construction certainty
This is a decisive difference. High adopters feel risk more acutely, yet they also feel better equipped to deal with it. So, what’s going on?
Is AI the cause or the indicator?
Let’s be clear: the potential of AI to mitigate risk is huge. But we’re still in the early days of adoption. It’s unlikely that the technology alone is responsible for such a striking difference in performance.
Instead, our analysis suggests correlation over causation.
AI adoption is often a signal—not just of digital progress, but of a more adaptive mindset.
These organisations are:
— More attuned to external change (hence their higher reported exposure to risks)
— More willing to experiment with new tools and techniques
— More focused on outcomes, not just process
In short, they’re more agile. And agility, rather than AI, may be the real differentiator when it comes to delivering with certainty
of non-AI users say uncertainty has slowed their adoption of digital tools.
of non-AI users believe AI is effective at managing uncertainty.
of AI users say that uncertainty has accelerated their tech adoption.
of AI users believe that AI helps mitigate uncertainty.
The paradox of uncertainty and action
Here’s where the paradox kicks in. Uncertainty should be a reason to act. But for many, it’s become a reason to delay.
Among organisations not currently using AI:
— 48% say uncertainty has slowed their adoption of digital tools
— Only 31% believe AI is effective at managing uncertainty
By contrast, among those already using AI:
— 49% say uncertainty accelerated their tech adoption
— 65% believe AI helps mitigate uncertainty
This split reveals a troubling pattern: those most in need of new tools are the least likely to adopt them. And the longer they wait, the wider the delivery gap becomes.
It’s not just about tools. It’s about mindset
What’s stopping organisations from embracing technology?
Cost is certainly a factor, cited by 51% of respondents. But close behind are two revealing barriers:
— Lack of expertise (40%)
— Resistance to change (39%)
These speak not to budget constraints, but to organisational culture and mindset.
In other words, the same flexibility that drives tech adoption also enables firms to navigate uncertainty. It’s not just about AI; it’s about being ready to think differently, act faster, and adapt continuously.
This mindset matters not only for adopting new technology, but for building certainty across every link in the construction value chain.